Antrim Football Thread

[Na Glinntí Glasa]

We cant compare reserve football and hurling. Most football teams have reserve. There are really only around 5 (reliable) reserve hurling teams

By reliable i mean entering the leagues year on year

The reason for that was the decline of the reserve leagues. Many moons ago when i played reserve hurling we played constantly in the reserve league.

The three Down clubs, Loughgiel, Cushendall, Ballycastle, St Johns, Rossa, Dunloy all played in the D1 reserve league back then. It was constant, competitive and played before the senior league games. 

Two seasons ago the reserves played 2 games in the league. No clubs wanted to play a reserve game midweek so there was less and less games played. Once they removed the league games before the senior fixture they started to cancel the games.

[NorthAntrimSaff]

I dont think entering them into Div 3 is the answer either. Hurling reserve teams divisions were selected. In my opinion the top 4 reserve teams would finish top 4 in 3. One up one down etc etc the actual junior teams would not be happy

[Milltown Row2]

We cant compare reserve football and hurling. Most football teams have reserve. There are really only around 5 (reliable) reserve hurling teams

By reliable i mean entering the leagues year on year

The reason for that was the decline of the reserve leagues. Many moons ago when i played reserve hurling we played constantly in the reserve league.

The three Down clubs, Loughgiel, Cushendall, Ballycastle, St Johns, Rossa, Dunloy all played in the D1 reserve league back then. It was constant, competitive and played before the senior league games. 

Two seasons ago the reserves played 2 games in the league. No clubs wanted to play a reserve game midweek so there was less and less games played. Once they removed the league games before the senior fixture they started to cancel the games.

Going back a few years we played div4  won it, div3 won it snd had a junior title with that reserve squad. Was a great building block for those lads that came through to the senior teams, young Gallagher mcgourty and Co all played in those teams.

Was scrapped when South Antrim wanted to promote the Southy league more, as the reason we played in the leagues was the Rossa's and Johnnies played reserve league which left the teams and standard poorer, they came back and it was a good aul battle on a Monday night..

The reserves need respect, I've done a few reserve games in football and unfortunately it's not great..

Did enjoy the Sundays away or at home playing in front of the seniors, we'd be in the bar few scoops and come out and watch the seniors!

[NorthAntrimSaff]

I think its more attractive for some to play before the Seniors..go in get changed and pull on a sub top and be part of that too. Its also more attractive for some to play on the friday night and go on the beer on saturday.

The minors now on a Sunday obviously has a major impact on this

[asaffgael]

The reserve leagues have fell away! Anyone who was involved will agree! There is so many unfulfilled fixtures it makes it hard to commit to.

I believe being entered in div 3/4 is the answer but it can't be at the same time as the senior team. Ultimately everyone wants to watch their own team so it's not fair to have a reserve team playing at same time in different location

[Milltown Row2]

The reserve leagues have fell away! Anyone who was involved will agree! There is so many unfulfilled fixtures it makes it hard to commit to.

I believe being entered in div 3/4 is the answer but it can't be at the same time as the senior team. Ultimately everyone wants to watch their own team so it's not fair to have a reserve team playing at same time in different location

No, this is definitely not the way

It leaves it open for 'reserve' teams  to have a few extra players from the senior panel, stand alone team..

I get watching your senior team but feck me! I'd only be interested in playing ball! Plenty time to see your seniors come championship when it matters.

It's not fair on the other team